DALLAS _ Coach Rick Carlisle wanted to make one thing perfectly clear about guard Rodrigue Beaubois’ performance Saturday against the New Orleans Hornets.
“Just because he made a few shots doesn’t mean he’s playing well,’’ Carlisle said after today's practice. “He made some progress today in practice.’’
Beaubois scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting against the Hornets. He also had two rebounds, two assists, two steals and two turnovers.
Yet, it was Beaubois’ inability to consistently get in a defensive stance is what irks Carlisle.
“He took positive strides in the San Antonio game and a little bit in the Phoenix game,’’ Carlisle said. “He got better today and he needs to keep getting better going forward.’’
Part of Beaubois’ problems is, because of his speed, he figures he can gamble more and play the passing lanes to create steals. That’s fine when it works, but when it doesn’t, it creates chaos for the Mavs defensively.
“If you’re going to make gambling type plays to try and take advantage of your quickness, I’m OK with that,’’ Carlisle said. “But being in the (defensive) stance and being in the proper position first will put yourself in a position to make that kind of a play.
“Don’t just be running out all half-cocked out there trying to steal every ball and causing a chain reaction for most of them. That’s a recipe for losing.’’
And a recipe Carlisle has no use for.
“It’s everybody, it’s not just Roddy,’’ Carlisle said. “It’s everybody and we’ve got to be solid first.
“Being solid puts you in a position to take some liberties. But it starts with being consistent.’’
-- Dwain Price
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